Andersen’s Behavioral Model to Identify Correlates of Cervical Cancer Knowledge among American Indian Women

OBJECTIVE: Using the Andersen’s behavioral model of health services use as a framework, this study aims to examine factors (predisposing, needs, and enabling) related to American Indian (AI) women’s cervical cancer knowledge. METHODS: Andersen’s behavioral model of health services was used to examine factors predisposing, needs, and enabling related to AI women’s cervical cancer knowledge. A sample of 259 AI women residing in the Northern Plains was recruited using a convenience sampling strategy. Cervical cancer knowledge was measured using guidelines from the American Cancer Society. Three predisposing factors, six enabling factors, and four need factors were observed. RESULT: The mean score of knowledge was 9.11 out of 13. Higher cancer knowledge was associated with 3 enabling factors (higher education, higher HPV knowledge, and use of TV/radio to gain health literacy) and one needs factor (experience in hospitalization). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that culturally sensitive educational interventions, especially those using media, to increase cervical cancer knowledge are needed among AI women.